Crack Chicken Sliders

Introduction

Crack Chicken Sliders are the ultimate comfort food—tender, flavorful, and addictive. These sliders are packed with creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, all piled between soft slider buns. They’re the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and a little bit tangy, making them a great choice for parties, game day, or any casual gathering.

I first made these sliders when I wanted something fun and indulgent for a weekend get-together, and they were an instant hit. The combination of creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible, and the soft slider buns hold everything together perfectly. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, these sliders are sure to disappear in no time.

Once you try these, you’ll understand why they’re called “crack”—they’re that irresistible! Perfect for sharing with friends or family, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Perfect for:

• Game day
• Casual gatherings
• Family dinners
• Potlucks
• Bacon lovers

Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Sliders

Here’s why Crack Chicken Sliders will quickly become your go-to slider recipe:

• Cheesy and Creamy: The cream cheese and ranch dressing create a smooth, cheesy filling that’s perfectly complemented by crispy bacon.
• Savory and Addictive: The combination of chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese makes for a flavor-packed bite that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, these sliders come together in no time and are baked to golden perfection.
• Great for Feeding a Crowd: This recipe makes plenty of sliders, making it ideal for parties, gatherings, or even a casual family dinner.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the ingredients, like adding different cheese or using a different type of ranch seasoning.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 23g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crack Chicken Sliders:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2-3 chicken breasts)
• 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup ranch dressing (or ranch dip)
• 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 12 slider buns
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is the base of the filling and adds a savory, protein-packed component to these sliders.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon crumbles bring a smoky, salty crunch that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
• Cream Cheese and Ranch Dressing: These ingredients provide the creamy, tangy base that binds the filling together and adds delicious flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: The melted cheddar cheese adds richness and extra gooeyness to each bite.
• Slider Buns: Soft, pillowy buns are ideal for holding the flavorful filling without overpowering it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crack Chicken Sliders:

Prepare the Chicken Filling:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed and the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Prepare the Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Arrange the bottom half of the buns in the prepared baking dish.

Assemble the Sliders:

4. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the chicken mixture on top of the bottom buns in the baking dish.
5. Top with Buns: Place the top half of the buns on top of the chicken mixture, pressing them down gently to compress the sliders.
6. Brush with Butter: Brush the melted butter over the top of the buns. If desired, sprinkle with garlic powder and dried parsley for extra flavor and color.

Bake and Serve:

7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are golden and crispy.
8. Serve: Allow the sliders to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Crack Chicken Sliders

Crack Chicken Sliders are perfect for any occasion. Here’s how you can serve them:

• As an Appetizer: Serve these sliders at your next party or game day gathering as an appetizer that’s sure to be a hit.
• With a Side Salad: Pair them with a simple side salad or coleslaw to balance out the richness of the sliders.
• For Dinner: Serve them as the main course with a side of fries or potato wedges.
• For Meal Prep: These sliders can be a great option for meal prepping. Make them ahead and store them in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go meal.

Additional Tips for Crack Chicken Sliders

Here are some tips to ensure your Crack Chicken Sliders are perfect every time:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken for the filling. It’s already cooked and shredded, making the recipe even quicker.
• Add Extra Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like sliced jalapeños, onions, or extra cheese for a custom flavor.
• Serve with a Dipping Sauce: A side of ranch or BBQ sauce makes a great dip for these sliders.
• Use Fresh Bacon: If you prefer crispy bacon, cook your bacon fresh before adding it to the sliders, but crumbled bacon works just fine too.
• Don’t Skip the Butter: Brushing the buns with melted butter gives them a golden, crispy finish that enhances the flavor.
• Freeze the Sliders: You can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. Just wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Recipe Variations for Crack Chicken Sliders

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crack Chicken Sliders:

• Buffalo Crack Chicken Sliders: Add buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
• BBQ Crack Chicken Sliders: Mix in some BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.
• Spicy Crack Chicken Sliders: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for a spicy version.
• Ranch Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Sliders: Add extra ranch seasoning to enhance the ranch flavor.
• Cheesy Crack Chicken Sliders: Double up on the cheese with both cheddar and mozzarella for extra cheesy goodness.
• Pulled Pork Sliders: Substitute shredded chicken with pulled pork for a different take on the recipe.
• Turkey Crack Chicken Sliders: Swap the chicken with shredded turkey for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Crack Sliders: Use cauliflower or chickpeas in place of the chicken for a vegetarian alternative.
• Crack Chicken Caesar Sliders: Swap ranch dressing for Caesar dressing for a Caesar salad-inspired slider.
• Zesty Crack Chicken Sliders: Add a teaspoon of lemon juice or zest to the filling for a fresh, zesty flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Crack Chicken Sliders

• Freezing: These sliders freeze well. Assemble them, wrap them tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time to the cook time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven before serving.

Special Equipment for Crack Chicken Sliders

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crack Chicken Sliders easier:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: A baking dish is perfect for assembling and baking these sliders in one go.
• Aluminum Foil: Use foil to cover the dish during the first part of baking for tender sliders.
• Cookie Sheet: If you’re freezing sliders, a cookie sheet is great for flash-freezing them before transferring to a bag.
• Mixing Bowls: Use a medium-sized bowl for mixing the chicken filling and a larger bowl for assembling.
• Basting Brush: A basting brush makes it easy to evenly apply butter to the top of the buns.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crack Chicken Sliders

1. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
   Yes, mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese would work well in this recipe.
2. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake them. Bake them when needed.
3. Can I substitute the ranch dressing?
   Yes, you can use ranch dip or even a different dressing like blue cheese if you prefer.
4. Can I make these sliders without bacon?
   Yes, you can skip the bacon or replace it with cooked sausage or turkey bacon.
5. Can I freeze the sliders?
   Yes, freeze them either before or after baking. Make sure they’re tightly wrapped.

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Conclusion

Crack Chicken Sliders are the ultimate comfort food, with a melty, cheesy filling that’s wrapped in soft, buttery slider buns. Each bite is packed with savory chicken, cream cheese, and bacon, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them at home, these sliders are sure to be a hit with everyone.

The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. You can add your favorite seasonings, or switch up the toppings to make them your own.

I’d love to see how your Crack Chicken Sliders turn out! Snap a pic, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy cooking and eating!